Parent-child Pairs Research Articles

Parent–Child Intergenerational Associations of Environmental Attitudes, Psychological Barriers, and Pro-Environmental Behaviors in Japan and China

Decision-making within families considerably affects daily pro-environmental practices. While parental influence on children is known, the influence of children on environmental choices within families has yet to be thoroughly investigated, particularly in Asia. There are almost no reports regarding parent–child bidirectional transmissions in terms of environmental attitudes, psychological barriers, and pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) in the Asian context. This study aimed to examine the parent–child bidirectional transmissions of environmental attitudes, psychological barriers, and PEBs in an Asian context, specifically in Japan and China. A total of 815 parent–child pairs (children ages 9–18) were recruited from Japan and China to participate in online questionnaire surveys. Regression analysis and structural equation modeling based on the actor–partner independence model revealed a bidirectional within-family socialization process of environmental attitudes, psychological barriers, and PEBs in the two countries. Children can transfer environmental knowledge and practices to their parents, which has been underestimated in the literature, particularly in Asia. Furthermore, our results suggest that Chinese children have more potential to act as catalysts in their family’s sustainable shift than Japanese children, given their substantial influence on family decision-making. The potential role of children in transmitting pro-environmental choices to their parents is also discussed.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Online and Face-to-Face Parent Training for Parents of Children With Developmental Disabilities.

Parent training (PT) is an effective intervention for improving children's behavioral problems and enhancing parental mental health in those caring for children with developmental disabilities (DD). Recent studies report the effectiveness of online PT (ON-PT). ON-PT encompasses both the on-demand type and the real-time type, which involves real-time online group PT delivered through web conferencing systems. However, the efficacy of the on-demand type has been established through comparisons with face-to-face PT (F2F-PT), whereas the real-time type of ON-PT has been assessed exclusively in single-arm studies, underscoring the need for comparative analyses with F2F-PT to validate its effectiveness. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of the real-time type of ON-PT and F2F-PT for parents of children with DD using a retrospective study design. The analysis included data from 13 parent-child pairs in the F2F-PT and 27 parent-child pairs in the ON-PT. Assessment scales included parental depression and stress, evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II) and Parenting Stress Index (PSI), respectively, as well as children's behavioral problems, measured with the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI). A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA assessed the impact of different PT delivery methods and time on the outcome variables. Attendance and dropout rates were similar between ON-PT (82%, 18.7%) and F2F-PT (80.3%, 18.1%). A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA showed that the interaction effect was marginally significant for PSI (p = 0.066) and statistically significant for both the child domain of PSI (p = 0.049) and ECBI (p = 0.013). Simple main effects analysis indicated that pre-test mean scores for PSI (p < 0.001), the child domain of PSI (p = 0.001), and ECBI (p = 0.002) were significantly higher than post-test scores in the ON-PT compared with the F2F-PT. Furthermore, although a higher proportion of participants in the ON-PT were within the clinical range of ECBI at the pre-test (70.4%) compared to the F2F-PT, this proportion decreased to 44.4% at the post-test. This study suggests that ON-PT may be as effective as or potentially more effective than F2F-PT. The adoption of online formats should be considered for families facing challenges, as ON-PT may improve children's behavioral problems and reduce parental stress. Nonetheless, the retrospective study design warrants caution in interpreting the findings, and a future study with a prospective, rigorous validation design will be essential to effectively compare the effectiveness of ON-PT and F2F-PT.

Adolescents’ posttraumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic: The links between differentiation of self, parents’ posttraumatic growth, and adolescents’ gender

The COVID-19 outbreak produced a threatening and chaotic environment for adolescents, potentially affecting adolescent developmental tasks such as differentiation of self. Yet positive psychological changes such as posttraumatic growth (PTG) may also occur when adolescents struggle with such challenging circumstances. In this study, we focused on 134 parent–child pairs comprising Israeli adolescents (ages 11–17) and one of their parents (ages 30–59), two years after the initial COVID-19 outbreak. Participants were recruited using snowball and convenience sampling methods and completed online self-report questionnaires, which included background data, the post-traumatic growth inventory, and the differentiation of self inventory. We explored a moderated mediation model where parents’ PTG served as a mediator in the association between adolescents’ differentiation of self and adolescents’ PTG, with adolescents’ gender moderating this mediation. Results revealed a positive association between adolescents’ PTG and parents’ PTG, and negative associations between adolescents’ differentiation of self and adolescents’ PTG/parents’ PTG. Further, results confirmed the moderated mediation model for the association between parents’ and adolescents’ PTG, but not for the association between adolescents’ differentiation of self and adolescents’ PTG. Adolescents’ higher differentiation of self was associated with parents’ lower PTG, which in turn was associated with adolescents’ lower PTG, among male adolescents only. Overall, the study results shed light on the importance of tailoring crisis interventions to the family system as a whole, given that at traumatic times in particular the mutual effect of parent–child distress may foster a positive outcome such as PTG. In addition, clinicians might wish to consider how to utilize adolescents’ differentiation of self in family therapy, as it was found in this study to be a resource facilitating recovery after negative life events and may thus enhance well-being.

Experiences With mHealth Use Among Patient-Caregiver Dyads With Chronic Heart Failure: Qualitative Study.

Chronic heart failure has become a serious threat to the health of the global population, and self-management is key to treating chronic heart failure. The emergence of mobile health (mHealth) provides new ideas for the self-management of chronic heart failure in which the informal caregiver plays an important role. Current research has mainly studied the experiences with using mHealth among patients with chronic heart failure from the perspective of individual patients, and there is a lack of research from the dichotomous perspective. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences with mHealth use among patients with chronic heart failure and their informal caregivers from a dichotomous perspective. This descriptive phenomenological study from a post-positivist perspective used a dyadic interview method, and face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted with patients with chronic heart failure and their informal caregivers. Data were collected and managed using NVivo 12 software, and data analysis used thematic analysis to identify and interpret participants' experiences and perspectives. The thematic analysis included familiarizing ourselves with the data, generating initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and producing the report. A total of 14 dyads of patients with chronic heart failure and their informal caregivers (13 men and 15 women) participated in this study, including 3 couples and 11 parent-child pairs. We constructed 4 key themes and their subthemes related to the experiences with mHealth use: (1) opposing experiences with mHealth as human interaction or trauma (great experience with mHealth use; trauma), (2) supplement instead of replacement (it is useful but better as a reference; offline is unavoidable sometimes), (3) both agreement and disagreement over who should be the adopter of mHealth (achieving consensus regarding who should adopt mHealth; conflict occurs when considering patients as the adopter of mHealth), (4) for better mHealth (applying mHealth with caution; suggestions for improved mHealth). This study reported that the experiences with mHealth use among patients with chronic heart failure and their informal caregivers were mixed, and it highlighted the human touch of mHealth and the importance of network security. These results featured mHealth as a complement to offline hospitals rather than a replacement. In the context of modern or changing Chinese culture, we encourage patients to use mHealth by themselves and their informal caregivers to provide help when necessary. In addition, we need to use mHealth carefully, and future mHealth designs should focus more on ease of use and be oriented more toward older adults.

Evolutionary development of mother-child scaffolding for moral comprehension.

This evolutionary developmental study employed an experimental recursive narrative ecological niche, comparing scaffolded mother-child (5-year-old) pairs to unassisted controls as they independently viewed and discussed a realistic fictional family video depicting a father-daughter emotional conflict over the girl's risky behavior, which violated harm/care and fairness/justice moral foundation norms. A microgenetic analysis was conducted on a selected variant pair that demonstrated high adaptive fitness in the niche by employing developmentally advanced cooperative scaffolding tools. The conversational ecosystem phase was characterized by repeated maternal theory-oriented "why" questions and coordinated child causal responses, forming a joint epistemic investigation that facilitated the child's moral understanding of the characters' responsibilities and motives. The pair used quasi-justice procedures to gather evidence, judge, and construct moral attributes for the characters. Their conversational mechanism was supported by mutual mindreading, mental time travel, and empathic communications, as they interacted simultaneously with each other and the story characters. A narrative ecological scaffolding theory emerged, establishing a standard for cooperative epistemic scaffolding between the mother and the child. Future training programs should utilize the Zone of Proximal Development method to instruct similar parent-child pairs.

Developing Concepts of Authenticity: Insights From Parents' and Children's Conversations About Historical Significance.

The present study investigated children's understanding that an object's history may increase its significance, an appreciation that underpins the concept of historical authenticity (i.e., the idea that an item's history determines its true identity, beyond its functional or material qualities, leading people to value real items over copies or fakes). We examined the development of historical significance through the lens of parent-child conversations, and children's performance on an authenticity assessment. The final sample was American, 79.2% monoracial White, and mid-high socio-economic status (SES) and included 48 parent-child pairs: 24 with younger children (R=3.5 to 4.5 years) and 24 with older children (R=5.5 to 6.5 years). Parent-child pairs discussed three books we created, with three storylines: a museum (culturally authentic) storyline, a clean-up (personally authentic) storyline, and a control storyline. Across measures, conversations suggested that authenticity may begin as a "placeholder concept" that is initially rooted in a broad appreciation for the significance of old objects and only later filled in with specifics. This placeholder initially directs children's learning about authenticity by linking, in an unspecified way, the value and significance of objects to their past. For example, we found that young children appropriately appealed to history (vs. perceptual or functional features of objects) in contexts regarding authentic objects but struggled in determining which objects were more significant on the post-test assessment, suggesting that they attend to object history but are not yet sure how histories matter for making authenticity judgments. We also found some evidence that directing children's attention toward conceptual information related to object history may in turn direct them away from material or perceptual considerations, as seen in trade-offs in parents' and children's conversations. Together, this exploratory report offers many new avenues for work on the development of authenticity concepts in childhood.

Co-parenting, parental competence and problem behaviours in children: examining differential parental roles

In recent years, the increase in child problem behaviours has become a significant public health concern. It is crucial to understand the complex dynamics between parental co-parenting, parenting competence, and child problem behaviours to develop effective interventions. This study explored the intricate relationship between parental co-parenting, parenting sense of competence, and child problem behaviours in a sample of 407 parent-child pairs from Shanghai, China. Findings indicated that neither maternal nor paternal perceived co-parenting significantly predicts child problem behaviours directly. However, maternal parenting sense of competence emerges as a significant mediator between maternal perceived co-parenting (both supportive and non-supportive) and child problem behaviours. This highlights the pivotal role of mothers as primary caregivers in shaping parenting dynamics and child outcomes. Conversely, paternal parenting sense of competence does not mediate the relationship between paternal perceived co-parenting and child behaviours, suggesting a nuanced dynamic within paternal care-giving roles. The study underscores theoretical contributions, validating the theory of inconsistent compensation effect and emphasizing the primary caregiver effect within the Chinese family context.

Quality of life, capability well-being, financial strain and physical activity in the short- and medium-term COVID-19 post-lockdown phases in the UK: a repeated cross-sectional study.

The COVID-19 lockdowns had negative effects on children's and adults' mental and physical health. There is, however, a paucity of research that explores differences in health-related quality of life (HRQL) and well-being over time after the COVID-19 lockdowns had been lifted. Furlough during lockdowns, increases in unemployment, and the emerging cost-of-living crisis all put pressure on family finances, which could have a detrimental effect on HRQL and well-being. This study, part of the wider Active-6 study, explored how HRQL, capability well-being and family financial strain changed after the lockdowns, the relationship between these outcomes, and whether physical activity had any mediating effect on differences in HRQL and capability well-being. Cross-sectional data were collected in May-December 2021 (Wave 1) and January-July 2022 (Wave 2). Children (aged 10-11) and their parent/carer were recruited from 23 to 27 schools in each wave, respectively, and completed validated questionnaires measuring HRQL (adults - EQ-5D-5L, children - CHU9D), capability well-being (adults - ICECAP-A) and family financial strain (adults - Family Economic Strain Scale, FESS). Children also completed questions on capability well-being. Weekday minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured using accelerometers. Mixed-effects regression models, adjusted for gender, age group (adults only), IMD and highest household education, were used to explore differences in HRQL and capability well-being between waves. In addition, the moderating effect of financial strain and the mediating effect of MVPA on HRQL and capability well-being were explored. Active-6 recruited 393 parent-child pairs in Wave 1 and 436 in Wave 2. There were no differences in HRQL (EQ-5D, CHU9D) and capability well-being (ICECAP-A) scores between waves, but financial strain was worse in Wave 2 compared to Wave 1 (FESS score difference 1.14 adjusted 95% CI 0.15 to 2.12). Increased financial strain was associated with lower (worse) EQ-5D-5L, CHU9D and ICECAP-A scores. There was no evidence of a mediating effect of MVPA. Pre-COVID-19 data on HRQL were not collected, so analysis was limited to post-lockdown only. Participating parents were predominantly female and participation was lower among lower socio-economic groups, limiting our ability to explore inequalities. Intervention planning to increase physical activity and health and well-being during the COVID-19 recovery should consider the financial strain families are experiencing and the negative implications of financial strain on HRQL. There were no differences in HRQL and capability well-being in children and adults after lockdowns lifted in 2021 and a year later in 2022. The results indicate increasing financial strain, which could reflect the UK's 'cost of living crisis'. This article presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme as award number NIHR131847.

Intergenerational transmission of the structure of the auditory cortex and reading skills.

High-level cognitive skill development relies on genetic and environmental factors, tied to brain structure and function. Inter-individual variability in language and music skills has been repeatedly associated with the structure of the auditory cortex: the shape, size and asymmetry of the transverse temporal gyrus (TTG) or gyri (TTGs). TTG is highly variable in shape and size, some individuals having one single gyrus (also referred to as Heschl's gyrus, HG) while others presenting duplications (with a common stem or fully separated) or higher-order multiplications of TTG. Both genetic and environmental influences on children's cognition, behavior, and brain can to some to degree be traced back to familial and parental factors. In the current study, using a unique MRI dataset of parents and children (135 individuals from 37 families), we ask whether the anatomy of the auditory cortex is related to reading skills, and whether there are intergenerational effects on TTG(s) anatomy. For this, we performed detailed, automatic segmentations of HG and of additional TTG(s), when present, extracting volume, surface area, thickness and shape of the gyri. We tested for relationships between these and reading skill, and assessed their degree of familial similarity and intergenerational transmission effects. We found that volume and area of all identified left TTG(s) combined was positively related to reading scores, both in children and adults. With respect to intergenerational similarities in the structure of the auditory cortex, we identified structural brain similarities for parent-child pairs of the 1st TTG (Heschl's gyrus, HG) (in terms of volume, area and thickness for the right HG, and shape for the left HG) and of the lateralization of all TTG(s) surface area for father-child pairs. Both the HG and TTG-lateralization findings were significantly more likely for parent-child dyads than for unrelated adult-child pairs. Furthermore, we established characteristics of parents' TTG that are related to better reading abilities in children: fathers' small left HG, and a small ratio of HG to planum temporale. Our results suggest intergenerational transmission of specific structural features of the auditory cortex; these may arise from genetics and/or from shared environment.

Effectiveness of a parent-focused intervention targeting 24-hour movement behaviours in preschool-aged children: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundInterventions focusing on individual behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep) of preschool-aged children have been widely studied. However, there is a lack of understanding about integrated interventions that target all three 24-hour movement behaviours. This is the first study to assess the effectiveness of an intervention aimed at improving all three 24-hour movement behaviours among preschoolers in Hong Kong.MethodsA 12-week randomised controlled trial with a 12-week follow-up was conducted. Parent-child pairs were randomised to integrated approach (targeting all three behaviours), dyadic approach (targeting physical activity and sedentary behaviour including screen time), or wait-list control group. Utilising the Internet-based delivery, this intervention consisted of education materials, workshops, and interactive questionnaires and reminders. Two intervention groups employed the same strategies, with the only difference being that the integrated approach targeted sleep in addition to physical activity and sedentary behaviour. The outcomes were preschoolers’ overall 24-hour movement behaviours which were assessed by the Activity Sleep Index (ASI), movement behaviour composition, and absolute duration of movement behaviours. Generalised estimating equations were conducted to evaluate the intervention.ResultsA total of 147 preschoolers (4.8 ± 0.9 years old, 56.5% boys) and their parents were included. Preschoolers in all groups had a lower ASI at follow-up compared with baseline. Preschoolers in the integrated approach had a smaller decline in ASI at follow-up, compared to that in the control group (3.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.07, 6.76). Preschoolers in both intervention groups had a smaller reduction of the composition of time spent in physical activity at follow-up, and a decreased screen time at postintervention and follow-up. No significant differences were found for the sleep subcomponent. Furthermore, preschoolers in the dyadic approach had a smaller increase in the sedentary behaviour subcomponent (vs. control: − 0.21; 95% CI = − 0.37, − 0.05) at follow-up.ConclusionsBoth intervention groups showed a decrease in screen time at postintervention, but there were no significant changes in other behaviours. The favourable changes observed at follow-up demonstrated the effectiveness of both intervention approaches on alleviating the decline in the composition of time spent in physical activity and reducing screen time and revealed the possible effectiveness of the integrated approach in promoting overall movement behaviours among preschoolers.Trial registrationThe study is prospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200055958).

Parent and child opinion on the use of standing desks in the classroom

ObjectiveStanding desks present a novel approach to reduce sedentary time in the classroom and address cardiovascular risk factors at an early age. In the context of designing a standing desk study, parents and children were surveyed regarding their perceptions and current use of standing desks and other flexible seating. MethodsSurvey administered from January 31st to February 26th, 2024 to a convenience cohort of 50 parent–child pairs presenting for well or acute care at a pediatrics clinic affiliated with an academic institution (Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States). Logistic regression examined parent support of and child willingness to use a standing desk in the classroom. ResultsParents were primarily non-Hispanic, white females above 40 years of age. Child participants mean age and grade level were 10.5 years and 5th grade respectively. Among parents, 85 % (39/46) were supportive of their child’s use of a standing desk in the classroom, with 4 declining to answer. For children, almost half, 48 % (24/50), were willing to use a standing desk. Acceptability decreased for child body mass index (BMI) ≥85th percentile versus BMI <85th percentile (parent acceptability OR = 0.07 [95 % CI: 0.01–0.63; p = 0.018]; child acceptability: OR = 0.13 [95 % CI 0.03–0.51, p = 0.003]). ConclusionsMost parents and children are amenable to use of a standing desk in the classroom. Additional information for children with elevated BMI and their parents may be required to address reservations about standing. This study was limited by its small sample size, which may not generalize to other populations.

Identification Methods of Tumor Tissue Origin Based on Different STR Typing Kits.

To establish the identification method of tumor tissue origin based on commonly used STR typing kits. ForenSeqTM DNA Signature Prep kit was used to detect the typing of 27 autosomal STR loci in 55 paired tumor tissue samples (tumor tissue paired with normal tissue of the same individual) and 75 unrelated individual whole blood samples. The genotyping data of full sibling pairs and parent-child pairs of 55 tumor tissues were simulated. The number of total identical alleles (An) and identity by state (IBS) scores were calculated within the paired carcinoma (PC), the tumor-unrelated individual (UI), the tumor-simulated full sibling (FS) and the tumor-simulated parent-offspring (PO) groups. The tumor tissue origin identification and prediction models of 8 commonly used STR typing kits were established based on the statistical results obtained above, and an attempt was made to establish a specific model for tumor tissue origin identification. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were verified and evaluated using the additional 23 paired tumor tissue samples. (1) In any kit, there was no statistically significant difference in the number of loci shared with 0 identical allele (A0) between the PC and PO groups. The number of loci shared with 1 identical allele (A1), 2 identical alleles (A2), and IBS scores were statistically significant different between the PC group and the UI, FS and PO groups. (2) The An and IBS scores of different STRs varied in different groups. The A2 levels of 13 STRs (CSF1PO, D12S391, D19S433, D20S482, D2S1338, D3S1358, D4S2408, D7S820, D8S1179, FGA, TH01, TPOX, vWA) in PC group were higher than those of other STR loci. The A2 levels of two STRs (D6S1043, Penta E) in UI group were significantly lower than those of other STR loci. (3) The tumor tissue origin identification and prediction models of 8 commonly used STR typing kits and the identification model of tumor tissue origin with 15 STR loci (15-STRs) were successfully established, with sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 97.56%-99.88%, and accuracy of 97.59%-99.89%. Among them, the 15-STRs model had 100% sensitivity, 99.88% specificity, and 99.89% accuracy, which were higher than those of commonly used commercial kits. This study successfully establishes the tumor tissue origin identification methods with 8 commonly used STR typing kits, which expands the application of tumor tissue origin identification. In addition, the differences of different loci in the identification of tumor tissue origin were compared, and 15 STR loci which were particularly suitable for the identification of tumor tissue origin were selected, providing the data basis for the establishment of tumor origin tracing kits in future.

What explains intergenerational associations in home ownership and value in the UK? Investigating the transmission mechanisms

Evidence shows strong associations in wealth across generations, yet the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Some studies attribute these associations to direct financial transfers between generations, while others suggest more indirect mechanisms such as the impact of parental wealth on children’s earnings, family formation, or saving and investment behaviour. Factors such as residential homophily and house value appreciation may also play a role. This study examines the extent to which these mechanisms explain intergenerational associations in home ownership and home value in the UK. Using 30 years of high-quality panel survey data, we link 1341 parent-child pairs, track children’s sources of wealth accumulation in early adulthood, and assess their home ownership and value outcomes at mid-life (around age 35). We employ mediation analysis to determine the relative importance of different transmission mechanisms. Our findings reveal significant age-adjusted correlations in home ownership (0.27) and home value (0.40) between parents and their adult children. These correlations are mainly explained by children’s accumulated earnings, savings and investment income, while parental financial transfers and children’s family lives play limited roles. A substantial part of the correlations in home values are also explained by parental characteristics other than their housing wealth, particularly their place of residence. Future research should pay more attention to the role of place and the influence that parental housing wealth has on the earnings and financial behaviour of young adults.

Intergenerationally tied relocation and care circulation: Motivations, struggles, and future arrangements

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigates the processes and experiences of intergenerationally tied relocation in which older parents from mainland China join their already migrated children in Hong Kong to provide domestic and childcare support.BackgroundStudies on tied migration have mainly focused on couple‐based moves within a human capital framework. With the increasing trend of grandparenting migrants, studies have expanded to address intergenerationally tied relocation.MethodWe conducted thematic analysis of in‐depth interview data of 34 mainland Chinese respondents, including 15 parent–child pairs and four adult children.ResultsThe decision to relocate is influenced by the established history of intergenerational supportive exchange relationships. The initial motivation for tied relocation is to benefit the adult children. Older parents' postrelocation experiences can affect their later decision to leave or remain, with key factors including financial dependence, emotional stress, and difficulty in balancing the duty of care between migrant children and distant family members. In planning for future eldercare, the goal is to meet the needs of both generations. Options include non‐coresidential care, reliance on the parents' hometown sibling network, or living in nearby mainland cities closer to Hong Kong.ConclusionThe study highlights the complex interplay of family relationships and responsibilities in the phenomenon of intergenerationally tied relocation. The findings unveil the dynamic roles and adaptive strategies families utilize to facilitate the transfer of care and support across generations and geographies.ImplicationsPolicy and services should be developed to assist aging immigrant families in their adaptation and integration, and formulate strategies for meeting future care needs.

Association of longitudinal pet ownership with wheezing in 3-year-old children using the distributed lag model: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study

BackgroundTime-varying exposures like pet ownership pose challenges for identifying critical windows due to multicollinearity when modeled simultaneously. The Distributed Lag Model (DLM) estimates critical windows for time-varying exposures, which are mainly continuous variables. However, applying complex functions such as high-order splines and nonlinear functions within DLMs may not be suitable for situations with limited time points or binary exposure, such as in questionnaire surveys.Objectives(1) We examined the estimation performance of a simple DLM with fractional polynomial function for time-varying binary exposures through simulation experiments. (2) We evaluated the impact of pet ownership on childhood wheezing onset and estimate critical windows.Methods(1) We compared logistic regression including time-varying exposure in separate models, in one model simultaneously, and using DLM. For evaluation, we employed bias, empirical standard error (EmpSE), and mean squared error (MSE). (2) The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) is a prospective birth cohort study of approximately 100,000 parent-child pairs, registered across Japan from 2011 to 2014. We applied DLM to the JECS data up to age 3. The estimated odds ratios (OR) were considered to be within critical windows when they were significant at the 5% level.Results(1) DLM and the separate model exhibited lower bias compared to the simultaneously model. Additionally, both DLM and the simultaneously model demonstrated lower EmpSEs than the separate model. In all scenarios, DLM had lower MSEs than the other methods. Specifically, where critical windows is clearly present and exposure correlation is high, DLM showed MSEs about 1/2 to 1/200 of those of other models. (2) Application of DLM to the JECS data showed that, unlike other models, a significant exposure effect was observed only between the ages of 0 and 6 months. During that periods, the highest ORs were 1.07 (95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.14) , observed between the ages of 2 and 5 months.Conclusions(1) A simple DLM improves the accuracy of exposure effect and critical windows estimation. (2) 0–6 months may be the critical windows for the effect of pet ownership on the wheezing onset at 3 years.

Examining the association of family environment and children emotional/behavioral difficulties in the relationship between parental anxiety and internet addiction in youth.

Associations between parental anxiety and adolescent internet addiction have been documented in the literature; however, few studies have analyzed the role of the family environment in this relationship. This study aims to explore the relationship between parental anxiety and adolescent internet addiction while also investigating the indirect relationships involving multiple dimensions of the family environment and child emotional behavior issues. Surveys were conducted among 6,296 parent-child pairs. We administered SDQ, CIAS-R, and FES-CV to assess adolescents' issues and internet addiction, and evaluate family environment. Additionally, parents completed GAD-7 to assess parental anxiety levels.Results: Correlation analysis revealed that the family environment and adolescent emotional behavior issues played an indirect relationship in the link between parental anxiety and internet addiction. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing parental anxiety and fostering a positive family environment as effective measures to alleviate adolescent emotional behavior problems and reduce the risk of internet addiction.

Effect of planning interventions on parent supervised oral health behaviors in primary school-age children: a randomized controlled trial.

To compare the effect of planning interventions on self-reported changes in parents supervised oral health-related behaviors (OHRBs) and associated clinical oral health parameters for primary school-age children. In total, 110 parent-child pairs (children aged 3 to 8 years) were randomly assigned to either of the two groups. In the "action planning" group, parent participants of the pair were asked to make an "action plan" using the "how, when, where" format for their child OHRBs. In the "implementation intention" group, parents were asked to form an "if-then plan" to improve OHRBs for their child. Self-reported changes on target OHRBs, change in plaque scores, change in plaque stagnation areas, and change in caries status of tooth surfaces were observed at 2, 8, and 12 weeks. Overall OHRBs scores changed significantly from baseline to 12 weeks for both interventions. The scores were significantly better with "if-then" planning than "action planning" (z = 4, P < .001) at 12 weeks. Plaque scores also changed significantly from baseline to 12 weeks for both interventions, and improved significantly more with "if-then" planning (16.20 ± 5.24) than "action planning" (50.66 ± 11.24) at 12 weeks. The number of plaque stagnation areas also changed significantly from baseline to 12 weeks for both interventions, and improved significantly more with "if-then" planning at 12 weeks (12.80 ± 5.33) than "action planning" (42.76 ± 10.34) (t = -11.55, P < .001). There was significant change in the caries status of sound tooth surfaces with "action planning" at 12 weeks (z = 116.50, P = .023). There were no new caries lesions reported with "if-then" planning at 12 weeks. The study observed significant improvement in OHRBs and associated oral health parameters with planning interventions, preferring "if-then" planning over "action planning." It also elicited significant barriers to behaviors in action.

The familial transmission of suicide and non-suicidal self-injury in different income levels in town.

Prior researches have established that suicide and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) exhibit familial transmission patterns. However, the extent to which these patterns vary across different income levels remains unclear, as well as the specific factors that influence them. This study aimed to explore these questions. We analyzed data from 13,988 parent-child pairs in Chongqing, China, where the children were aged from 7 to 12 years old. Six income levels were considered, and the children's depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using standardized scales (the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children, [CES-DC], and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders [SCARED], respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the transmission of suicide and NSSI across different income levels. Familial transmission of suicide was significant difference in all income levels except the highest, while familial transmission of NSSI was significant difference in all income levels except the lowest. Notably, in both low- and high-income levels, suicide and NSSI transmissions primarily occurred among male children, mothers with higher education, and children who spent long time with their mothers. Additionally, the transmissions were mediated partially or entirely by children's depression and anxiety symptoms. Future studies should investigate the separate effects of fathers' and mothers' suicide and NSSI histories on familial transmission patterns. The familial transmissions of suicide and NSSI exhibited distinct patterns across different income levels.

#2412 Monoallelic NEK8-related polycystic kidney disease in an Irish ADPKD cohort

Abstract Background and Aims Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), commonly caused by pathogenic variants in PKD1 and PKD2 genes, leads to enlarged cystic kidneys and typically present in adulthood where ∼70% of affected patients progress to kidney failure by their 7th decade of life. Recently, new genes have been reported that appear to explain some of the previously unresolved ADPKD-like cases. An example is the NEK8 gene, where monoallelic variants are reported to cause early-onset ADPKD with progressive phenotype. We are reporting 4 Irish families with monoallelic NEK8 variants. Method In-depth clinical and radiological evaluations were conducted on 250 families with polycystic kidney disease referred to the Irish Kidney Gene Project. All patients underwent genomic testing using gene-panel and exome Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), while multiple ligation probe amplification analysis of PKD1 or PKD2 was utilized in genetically unresolved families. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines were applied to assess variant pathogenicity. Results To date, 471 individuals representing 250 distinct families (F) have been studied, including 105 (42%) families with two or more individuals (326 individuals). 55.2% have reached end-stage kidney failure, with an average age of 49.1 ± 14.3 years. We identified pathogenic / likely pathogenic variants in 76% (190/250) of families, with variants in PKD1 accounting for 76.8% (146/190) and PKD2 accounting for 15.3% (29/190) of families, respectively. In familial cases with non-PKD1/PKD2 variants, we identified pathogenic variants in a small proportion of families with ADPKD-like phenotypes: IFT140 variants (n = 4), ALG5 (n = 2), 17q12 microdeletion (n = 2) and DNAJB11, ALG8, and ALG9 variants (n = 1 each). Upon thorough review of all genetically unresolved PKD families, 4 (6.7%) families were identified with monoallelic protein-kinase domain NEK8 variants [NM_178170.3]: p.R45W (in 2 families) and two other missense variants: p.N69D and p.R140L, none of which contained a second NEK8 variant despite extensive analysis. Autosomal dominant segregation was confirmed in two parent-child pairs, whereas the remaining two index patients reported no family history of kidney disease. The median age at the initial presentation was 12 years (IQR: 2.5–27.3), with a median follow-up period of 22.5 years at the last evaluation. The phenotype of all patients was consistent with polycystic kidney disease with the absence of liver and pancreatic cysts. All patients were diagnosed with hypertension at an average age of 15.3 ± 12.2 years. Cerebral aneurysms were detected in two patients (F1: at age 61 years and F4: at age 54 years), while F3 was reported to have childhood-onset frontal bossing, prominence cerebrospinal fluid, and large arachnoid cysts. Approximately 67% [4/6] patients progressed to end-stage kidney failure by the 3rd decade of life. Compared to families with PKD1/PKD2 variants, families with NEK8 variants were characterized by earlier average age at initial presentation (14.5 versus 29.9 years; p 0.01) and progression to end-stage kidney failure (15.5 versus 49.6 years; p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Table 1 summarizes the clinical and genetic characteristics of the reported families. Conclusion We provide further evidence that monoallelic NEK8 variants cause early presentation and progressive ADPKD-like phenotype. Sequencing for monoallelic NEK8 variants in patients with childhood and early-adulthood cystic kidney disease can inform renal prognosis, treatment planning, familial screening and reproductive choices.

Effects of Food Depictions in Entertainment Media on Children's Unhealthy Food Preferences: Content Analysis Linked With Panel Data.

Entertainment media content is often mentioned as one of the roots of children's unhealthy food consumption. This might be due to the high quantity of unhealthy foods presented in children's media environments. However, less is known about the role of the centrality of food placement, that is, whether foods are interacted with, consumed, verbally mentioned, or appear unobtrusively. We also lack longitudinal research measuring both children's unhealthy and healthy food consumption behaviors as outcomes. The aim is to connect content analytical data based on children's actual media diet with panel data in order to explain children's food preferences. Moreover, this study not only focuses on the amount of healthy and unhealthy foods children are exposed to, but also on how these foods are presented (ie, centrally or not). Furthermore, we looked at the question of how parental coviewing can diminish (or enhance) the effects of unhealthy (or healthy) food depictions, and we measured healthy and unhealthy consumption as dependent variables. We conducted a 2-wave panel study with children and one of their parents (of 2250 parents contacted, 829 responded, for a response rate of 36.84%; 648 valid cases, ie, parent-child pairs, were used for analysis), with 6 months between the 2 panel waves. We linked the 2-wave panel data for the children and their parents to content analytical data for movies (n=113) and TV series (n=134; 3 randomly chosen episodes per TV series were used) that children were exposed to over the course of 6 months. There was no significant relationship between exposure to unhealthy food presentation and unhealthy (b=0.008; P=.07) or healthy (b=-0.003; P=.57) food consumption over time. Also, healthy food presentation was unrelated to unhealthy (b=0.009; P=.18) or healthy (b=0.000; P=.99) food consumption over time. However, there was a significant, positive interaction between unhealthy food presentation and presentation centrality on unhealthy food consumption (b=0.000; P=.03), suggesting that the effects of unhealthy food presentation rise with increasing levels of centrality. There was no interaction between unhealthy food presentation and presentation centrality on the consumption of healthy foods (b=0.000; P=.10). Also, exposure to healthy food presentation interacted with centrality (b=-0.001; P=.003). That is, when a healthy product was presented at maximum centrality, it led to less unhealthy food consumption in children. Coviewing did not interact with exposure to unhealthy foods when explaining unhealthy (b=0.003; P=.08) or healthy (b=-0.001; P=.70) food consumption. We conclude that simply presenting more healthy foods is not sufficient to combat children's unhealthy food preferences. Further regulations may be necessary with respect to representations of unhealthy foods in children's media.